Deactivated WW2 Bren MKI Dated 1943

This is a Second World War dated Bren MKI machine gun with a dual history. Dated 1943, it was manufactured in Australia by Lithgow for issue to the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Lithgow Bren production was very slow with just 17,429 Brens completed during the war. This gun is from their final batch of just 7,429 being gun number 1,990th. Although made on the other side of the world, these Bren's were issued far and wide along with thier units. ANZAC forces saw service all over Europe, The Middle east and Asia, on land, sea and air. After WW2 this Bren was retired from frontline service and used as a Drill Purpose weapon to train new recruits. The white painted sections and "DP" initials were applied to clearly identify this Bren as a training gun. The blue painted section with a number 4 and letter R below are those given by the regiment / unit this gun was used by. No 4 most likely being the rack or weapon number and R for the corresponding depot inventory or regiment ID. A fascinating and well traveled gun that would have seen service during WW2 and continued post war to train a new wave of British soldiers into the Cold War period. Deactivated with a working action it can be cocked, stripped and dry fired.